Monday, December 30, 2002

City ban on fireworks in effect

JENNIFER GALVAN
Staff Writer

PECOS, Dec. 30, 2002 - Bells and whistles will be heard tomorrow night in addition to the
sound of fireworks as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.

However Town of Pecos City Fire Marshal Jack Brookshire and
Pecos Police Department's Kelly Davis would like to remind every one
to remember the city ordinance prohibiting fireworks. Fireworks
must be set off outside city limits and people must have permission from owners
in the county, Brookshire said.

While they have not received a lot of calls as of yet, Brookshire said
that they tend to get more as the clock nears midnight on New Year's Eve.

"We tend to get more calls closer to midnight on New Year's
Eve," Brookshire said.

He added that the use of fireworks inside the city limits is not allowed
and that anyone in violation of the city ordinance would be fined.

"Anyone caught within the city limits can be fined up to $500 for
each offense," Brookshire said.

"The county has not designated an are in which fireworks may be set
off," Brookshire said.

He added that if any damage that occurs because of fireworks,
the person or persons would be responsible for the damage.

"Those shooting off fireworks are responsible for any
damages," Brookshire said.

Brookshire had some tips on how to be safe while setting off fireworks.

"If you are not sure how a device works read the directions. They
all have directions on them," Brookshire said. "The biggest tip is to
remember that fireworks are not toys and that there should be adult supervision."

During winter Brookshire said that there is a high risk of wild land
fires since most vegetation is dormant and dry.

Davis said that the city ordinance asks for voluntary compliance
but added that they have received several call about fireworks.

Along with receiving a citation from an officer due to the violation
of the city ordinance, Davis added that the officer would confiscate
the fireworks and dispose of them.

"We will dispose of the fireworks," Davis said.

In remembering to obey the city ordinance by not setting off
fireworks within the city limits, Davis also asks that adults remember not to shoot
off any firearms as well.

"We will arrest any one discharging a firearm into the air," Davis said.
"We will also confiscate the weapon."

Commissioners discuss new phones for RCDC III

By ROSIE FLORES
Staff Writer

PECOS, Dec. 30, 2002 - A new telephone system for the Reeves County Detention Center
III was discussed and approved during a special meeting of the Reeves
County Commissioners Court.

The group met this morning on the third floor of the courthouse to
discuss a few items including the phone system.

Greg Borland, with Intertel of Balmorhea was on hand to make
a presentation on the many features that will be provided using their equipment.

"They're the ones who initially set up everything," said county
auditor Lynn Owens.

"This is expanding the system to include 100 new phones and
stations at the RCDC III," said Reeves County Judge Jimmy B.
Galindo. "They're going to integrate it into
the existing system," he said.

Galindo said that the system has worked well for all the
departments at the courthouse and that it had many features. "There are still a lot
of capabilities that we have not been using, but can do so in the future,"
he said.

Borland told the group that with the new system, the courthouse
and the detention center systems would be integrated. "This system will
provide for the demands of today, but will be useful in the future as well," he said.

Borland said that the courthouse and the detention center would
have real communication back and forth. "We'll have passwords and
only certain individuals will be able to see only what we want them to see
from the courthouse and vice-versa," said Borland.

"They'll see only what they're allowed to see, for security and
safety purposes," he said.

Galindo asked Borland to briefly tell the court about his work
experience and what led him back to his hometown of Balmorhea.

"I worked at the McDillard Air Force Base," said Borland. "We
ran fiber and have certified training in cisco and fiber optics," he said.

"I was the first person in design keying in fiber optics networking
in Desert Storm," said Borland.

Borland said he later moved to Houston, where he opened his
own company. "Family and friends brought me back to Balmorhea and I
opened my own company there," he said.

"We have a lot of contracts here in West Texas and still have several
in Houston," he said.

Using the wireless connection between the courthouse and the
prison will have some problems, however, according to Borland. "I'm not
going to tell you that it will be perfect, it does have its drawbacks, because it
will have some problems when it is really windy or if it rains heavily,"
said Borland. "It won't go off completely, but it will decrease the quality and
the speed," he said.

"Planning for expansion and the future are two very good pluses,"
said Borland. "You'll have to spend double, if you have to replace the
equipment, and that's why we do it right the first time and do it for the future," he said.

Galindo said that the system would be helpful to all employees at both
the RCDC and the courthouse.

The group also approved a ratification of the
pharmaceutical services contract between the
county and Professional Pharmacy.

Catholic Daughters

sponsoring Ball

A New Year's Eve Ball is scheduled from 8 p.m. until 1
a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Reeves County Civic Center.

Advance tickets are $25 for a couple or $30 at the door.

Music will be provided by the Latin Kings and the event is BYOB.

The event is being sponsored by the Catholic Daughters and the
Knights of Columbus.